Jambojet has reported major disruptions to its flight operations, with only two of the 55 flights scheduled for Monday having operated by 11:30am.
The airline said five of its aircraft were still undergoing clearance at the time of issuing the notice as the ongoing aviation workers’ strike continued to affect operations at major airports across the country.
In a statement, Jambojet said its teams remained operational and were assisting passengers affected by the delays.
“Our teams remain fully operational and are available to assist and support guests during this period,” the airline said.
The disruption has left hundreds of passengers stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi and other airports since Sunday following industrial action by a section of aviation workers.
Some travellers scheduled to depart through JKIA spent the night in airport lobbies as they waited for guidance from airlines on when their flights would resume.
Others were transferred to hotels by their airlines as they waited for further communication, while some passengers opted to cancel their trips.
The strike began at about 2am on Sunday and affected JKIA and other major airports across the country.
Travellers reported significant delays, with several flights remaining grounded for hours.
By Monday morning, a number of airlines had started processing hotel transfers for passengers who could not travel because of the disruption.
The industrial action involves members of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), who declared a go-slow at several airports.
The workers are demanding improved welfare, better working conditions and implementation of previously agreed employment benefits.
KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema said union members had downed their tools at the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Jambojet.
He said the workers would not resume normal operations until the union’s grievances against the three institutions were addressed.
The action followed the collapse of a framework agreement signed on July 27, after Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir brought together the union and four employers named in an earlier strike notice.
The agreement had established a timetable for individual employers to negotiate directly with KAWU.
However, several meetings between the workers, their employers and the Ministry of Transport failed to resolve the outstanding issues.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has also confirmed that some departing flights were experiencing delays at airports across the country.
The authority said it was working with aviation agencies, airlines and other stakeholders to manage the situation and minimise disruption.
“KAA is working closely with the relevant aviation agencies, airlines, and other stakeholders to manage the situation, minimise disruption, and facilitate the smooth flow of airport operations,” the authority said.
KAA urged passengers to contact their respective airlines for the latest information on flight status and to plan their journeys accordingly.
“Passengers are advised to contact their respective Airlines for the latest information on their flight status and to plan their journeys accordingly,” KAA said.
The authority apologised for the inconvenience caused by the disruption and thanked passengers for their patience as efforts continued to restore normal operations.
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